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My First Solo
On Monday June 3rd 2019 I did my first solo flight, at long last. I don’t think I could have asked for a more beautiful day and the weather was great calm skies, no clouds in view and a nice temp. around 69 degrees. when my instructor Ken got out of the plane and said “go have fun” I was nervous at first he also warned me that since he wouldn’t be in the plane it would react completely differently than what I am use to. I didn’t think that it would be that differently but oh my was I wrong it was crazy on how much faster the plane wanted to get off the ground and how it controlled so much better with one less person. After I was done with my takeoffs and landings I felt so proud of myself for finally finishing the first step on my long path to becoming an airline pilot.
My name is John Laughman and I am honored to be one of the 2018 Flying Musician Solo recipients. This scholarship will go a long way toward helping me full fill my dreams of working in the aviation field. I am currently a senior in high school and have been taking classes to become a certified aviation mechanic. I am getting ready to take my test to become a certified A & P. I have always had a love for music and have spent the last six years playing the sousaphone, bass guitar, and trumpet. Being involved in my high school marching band and pep band has taught me numerous lessons about responsibility, leadership, and discipline all of which are necessary to work in the aviation field.
I discovered my love for flying a few summers ago when I helped out my uncle at the airport that he owns in Philipsburg, Ohio. I would mow the airport and did odd jobs; in exchange he would take my flying. With this scholarship I will be able to get my solo pilot’s license and work toward getting my private pilot's license, and then work towards my professional pilot’s license. I plan on attending Sinclair Community college in the fall to get my professional pilot’s degree. I can't express to you how much the Flying Musician scholarship will help me in reaching my dreams. I look forward to many adventures thanks to the support of my fellow music and aviation enthusiast.
Sincerely,
John Laughman
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8 thoughts on “My First Solo”
Congratulations John!!! I loved your instructor’s comment “go have fun!”-you obviously did, and you were ready to enjoy those first flights by yourself. Looking forward to hearing about your further adventures!!
Congratulations. Great job! I remember my first solo as clear as can be even though it was 11 yrs ago now. It’s an amazing achievement & the beginning of an incredible journey through the skies. Bravo!
Hello John, I’m so glad you got to solo. You’ve reach the point of achievement where you alone were able to fly the aircraft on your own, you should be proud.
I am happy for you. I look forward to more activity in your future. keep the sunny side up and stay out of the trees. : )
Congratulations John!!! I loved your instructor’s comment “go have fun!”-you obviously did, and you were ready to enjoy those first flights by yourself. Looking forward to hearing about your further adventures!!
Jay Mason, FMA Southwest Ambassador
Congratulations. Great job! I remember my first solo as clear as can be even though it was 11 yrs ago now. It’s an amazing achievement & the beginning of an incredible journey through the skies. Bravo!
Congrats John! Awesome achievement!
Awesome!!! It is a big step and you did it. We are all pulling for you.
Congrats John! Thats exciting!! Keep up the great work!!
Hello John, I’m so glad you got to solo. You’ve reach the point of achievement where you alone were able to fly the aircraft on your own, you should be proud.
I am happy for you. I look forward to more activity in your future. keep the sunny side up and stay out of the trees. : )
Don Bilbrey
PS hangar jam Aug 17th
Congrats! That first solo sticks with you the rest of your life. I think I smiled for a week.
This is awesome news! Congratulations.